Merry Christmas, everyone
Monthly column by Alex Mayer, MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency
Red nosed reindeers, sparkling snowmen, excitable elves. I have to say it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And that’s especially the case in my office, which is full of artwork designed by hundreds of local children who took part in my annual Christmas card competition. This year’s winner, Megan, from Linslade School drew a festive dog looking out over a snowy scene.
These cards (and many, many more) are being delivered by hardworking posties across the area and beyond, including to 10 Downing Street and even Buckingham Palace.
When I recently visited Royal Mail’s Leighton Buzzard Delivery Office, I saw just how busy the team is during the festive rush. They’re working flat out to deliver our cards and parcels to thousands of homes. Please help them by checking you’ve got the right address and the full postcode. I also learnt that red envelopes are harder for the machines to sort - so just this once I urge you not to choose red!
But what has struck me most in recent weeks is the generosity of residents. Donations were pouring in for Tesco’s Winter Food Collection supporting Dunstable Foodbank.
As one of the drop off points for gifts of toys, games and art sets for the Salvation Army, Thorn Springs Care Home in Houghton Regis felt like Santa’s grotto. They are helping to make sure children who need extra support this year receive something special.
That same community spirit is powering the race to complete the new Leighton Buzzard Riverside scout hut. Huge credit goes to SD Carpentry and the volunteers working to make the building flood-proof by 25 December.
Young scouts, tradespeople and residents are all mucking in. It all felt a bit like Challenge Anneka! And it was a massive transformation from my last visit.
In Parliament, it’s all aboard the Santa Express as we debate the Railways Bill bringing trains back into public ownership. Plus the Government has announced new cash to tackle potholes - welcome news for anyone travelling home for Christmas.
So I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. See you in 2026.